Thema: a brief history of the Daughters
The Confederate Gray Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy hosted a fashion revue at Lomax church of Christ Nov. 1 with President Jeanell Kutterer giving a brief history of the Daughters and conducting the ritual.
Regina Sharp of Confederate Belles of Centerville gave vital information about period dress from 1860-65 as guest models presented each costume. Confederate Gray member Darlene Johns was one of the models.
The first model showed the typical undergarments worn by the ladies of that era. During the summer there were seven layers worn, and in winter the number of layers increased by two. Many dresses were sewn and styled from fashion magazines or ordered from catalogs available during that time.
Fashions modeled were three wedding dresses, one of white, one ivory, and another in teal; a riding habit; mourning attire; summer wear; ball gowns; work dresses and civilian dress and uniforms of both Confederate and Union. Hats, veils, bonnets, gloves, muffs, reticules, capes, and jewelry adorned several costumes.
Another dress modeled was the satin ball gown worn by Varine Howell Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America.
copper kettle
It was noted that elastic was invented in the 1820s, hairnets became popular in the 1860s and the snood was fashionable in the 1920s. Sky blue colored pants were worn by both the Confederate and Union soldiers. Only corporal and higher ranks were allowed to carry guns.
The Confederate Marine’s uniform was trimmed in black.
Cigars and pipes were commonly used by soldiers on both sides. Kepi hats was worn by Union soldiers and all Rebel uniforms were made of wool fabric.
Several women dressed as men and fought many times on the front line.